Advent Reflection Services
Across Woodkirk, Tingley, West and East Ardsley, churches are coming together over Advent to prepare for the coming of Jesus. We are holding a service of reflection and silence every Wednesday in a different church in the area. The first is this Wednesday, 30th November, and another 3 follow through Advent on each Wednesday. During what is a very busy time of preparation, it is a time to pause and think.
Christmas Services 2016
Our Christmas Services are now on our calendar, and below. We look forward to seeing you at St Mary’s over the festive period.
Advent 2016 – Week 1 Reflection
Week 1 – Faith
Scripture Verses
“Wait for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait for the LORD” (Psalm 27:14).
“Now without faith it is impossible to please God, for the one who draws near to Him must believe that He exists and rewards those who seek Him.” —Hebrews 11:6
What’s the longest you’ve had to wait for something?
We expect everything to be at our fingertips the moment we have the desire for it. Yet God finds ways of making us wait.
Waiting and faith go hand-in-hand. Waiting is the embodiment of faith.
In Hebrews 11:13 we are reminded that faith involves trust in God’s promise even if the promises of God are fulfilled long after we’re gone. The writer says, “These all died in faith without having received the promises, but they saw them from a distance …” (Emphasis added.)
We are asked to remain faithful in our waiting
Advent is about faith and waiting.
What are you waiting on God for this year?
Remember the years of silence as God’s people waited for the Messiah.
Take time today, to reflect on the fact that God’s timing is quite different from ours.
The story of Jesus’ birth gives us assurance and joy because even though the waiting lingered for decades, God broke through at just the right time.
Are you struggling with a lack of faith?
Jesus encouraged his frustrated followers this way: “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will tell this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you” (Matthew 17:20).
Most of us try to grow a forest in one day. Jesus, however, invites you to begin with a tiny seed. Watch it grow and wait for it to become all that you dreamed it would be.
Are you willing to plant faith and wait upon God?
Nothing seems to be appearing on the horizon today, but just wait! God always keeps his promises, even to those who have little faith. Just wait.
This week:-
Share with a friend or family member something you are waiting for.
Encourage someone you know who is weary of waiting. Remind them of God’s promises.
Take inventory of your relationship with God. Are you struggling with His silence?
Daily prayer for this week:
Lord, I remember the years of waiting for a Messiah. I’m often impatient with my life. Please teach me to enjoy You and not just the blessings I see in Your hands. Fill my days with laughter and joy through hardship and uncertainty. Remind me that when I think I’m waiting for an eternity, it really isn’t. Life on this earth is infinitesimally smaller than a second in the light of true eternity.
Remembrance Sunday 2016
We commemorated Remembrance Sunday with two services at St Mary’s today. For the first this morning we were joined by the Royal British Legion and uniformed organisations. The service was a traditional Remembrance service with the act of Remembrance at 11am. Names of those who died from our Parish in the two World Wars were read out from the War Memorial at the back of church.
This evening, a more reflective service was held, remembering not only those who have died in conflict, but also those left behind at home. The congregation created a ‘battlefield’ on the altar, made up of candles and poppies. The poppies reflecting those who have fallen, the candles those who may be medics or support, with the light of Christ in the centre.
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